Al Ahli Doha vs Al-Gharafa Match Recap - Oct 25, 2025

Al-Gharafa Capitalizes on Al Ahli's Struggles to Claim a Convincing Victory

In a decisive display of skill and resilience, Al-Gharafa emerged victorious over Al Ahli Doha, claiming a 3-1 win at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium on October 25, 2025. The result not only solidified Al-Gharafa's position near the top of the Stars League but also compounded Al Ahli's woes, leaving them with just six points from their last six matches.

As the match kicked off, it appeared that Al Ahli might have found a momentary spark, having recently drawn 2-2 with Arkadag in the AFC Cup. However, the festive atmosphere quickly faded as Ferjani Sassi turned the momentum in Al-Gharafa's favor just two minutes into the second half, scoring in the 47th minute. This goal breathed new life into a team that had stumbled over its last few outings, including a disappointing 0-4 loss to Al-Ahli Jeddah just days earlier in the AFC Champions League.

Al Ahli's response came shortly after when they managed to equalize in the 59th minute via a penalty kick, which brought temporary hope to the home crowd. Yet, that hope was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Seydou Sano restored Al-Gharafa's lead with a well-placed finish at the 62-minute mark, demonstrating the visitors' ability to capitalize on fleeting opportunities.

In an encounter that showcased both teams' recent struggles, Al-Gharafa's performance reestablished their credentials, pushing them up to third place in the league with 13 points. Al Ahli, on the other hand, finds itself in a precarious ninth place, having now suffered four defeats out of their last six matches. This latest setback raises questions about the squad's direction and cohesion as they continue to seek their first win in the league since September.

The disparity in form was evident as Al-Gharafa exhibited a clinical touch that Al Ahli has sorely lacked. The home side's attack, while occasionally threatening, often seemed disjointed and lacking decisive creativity; a pattern that has persisted for weeks.

Looking ahead, Al Ahli's next fixtures will be crucial as they attempt to dig themselves out of the relegation zone. With players like Riyad Mahrez expected to shoulder more responsibility, they cannot afford to continue this trend of inconsistency. Meanwhile, Al-Gharafa, buoyed by this win, aims to build momentum as they aim for the summit of the league, seeking to overcome the setbacks that have marred their recent run.

For both teams, the stakes remain high, with Al Ahli needing to restore faith and form rapidly, while Al-Gharafa will look to leverage this victory as a stepping stone toward a title challenge. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, making every point crucial as the Stars League unfolds.